Bitter kola (Garcinia kola) as widely called is a type of nut mostly found in several parts of Nigeria and other major parts of the world. Due to the numerous uses of bitter kola, the demand for the bitter kola nuts is always high.
Bitter Kola has been identified as a potent antibiotic which could be effective in the treatment of many diseases.
The fruit, seeds, nuts and bark of the tropical tree have been used for centuries in traditional medicines to treat many forms of ailments which sometimes can equally be referred to as the spiritual benefits of bitter kola.
Chewing bitter kola relieves coughs, hoarseness, bronchial and throat troubles. Several studies discovered bitter kola to be a remedy for dysentery, osteoarthritis, antidote against poisoning and considered an aphrodisiac.
Health Benefits of Bitter Kola (Garcinia kola)
There are so many health benefits of bitter kola based on recent research. Meanwhile, the health benefits of bitter kola are broken down into the following 8 health benefits below:
1. Improves Lung Functions
Bitter kola has been used for centuries to treat chest colds in traditional medicine. Bitter kola’s beneficial lung properties are attributed to its high antioxidant content.
2. Treats Malaria
The chemical constituents in bitter kola have been found to have anti-malaria properties. Traditional healers have for many years prescribed bitter kola for the treatment of malaria infections.
3. Relieves Osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis, characterized by pain, inflammation and limited movement in the joints. Bitter kola reduces inflammation and pain and increases joint movement. It is believed that bitter kola works well for patients with this ailment as a result of its antioxidant properties.
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4. Recommended for HIV patients
Bitter kola is a potent antibiotic which could be efficacious in the treatment of HIV and AIDS. Bitter kola is highly recommended in the treatment of HIV and AIDS because of its antibacterial, detoxification, and cleansing properties.
5. Treatment of Cold
Bitter kola is often used to treat the symptoms of colds. It is suggested, in particular, for coughs and sneezing.
6. Male Fertility (Impotence)
Bitter kola is sometimes believed to cure impotence.
7. Protects the Immune System
The nut is known for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. It can be used to prevent infections and viruses, especially in relation to the immune system.
8. Remedy for Food Poisoning
When food is suspected to be contaminated by bacteria or someone accidentally eats food poison, traditional healers often recommend the mastication of bitter kola immediately after eating. This usually prevents the development of any infection or poisoning. Herbalists even recommend that the seed and the bark of bitter kola should be eaten together in cases where food poisoning is suspected, “it helps to detoxify the system“.
It is not only an anti-poison, it also has the ability to repel evil spirits according to traditional beliefs. Though it sounds superstitious, many believe it works and do have spiritual benefits.
NOTE: The side effects of taking excess bitter kola are “weight loss”, “increase in sex drive” and “extended sleep” which may be considered helpful to meet individual and marital demands.
However if after taking bitter kola you experience diarrhea, hives, irregular heartbeat or other signs of allergic reaction, discontinue use immediately and seek medical attention.
Scientific Evidence and Case Studies on Bitter Kola
1. Lung Function Improvement: Bitter kola’s high antioxidant content helps improve lung function and treat respiratory issues like chest colds and bronchial troubles in traditional and preliminary studies.
2. Anti-Malarial Activity: Chemical constituents in bitter kola exhibit anti-malaria properties, supporting its long-standing traditional use for treating malaria infections.
3. Osteoarthritis Relief: Bitter kola reduces inflammation, pain, and improves joint mobility in osteoarthritis due to its potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects.
4. Immune System Support: The nut’s anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties help protect against infections and viruses, strengthening overall immune response.
5. Antibacterial and Detoxification Properties: Bitter kola acts as a potent antibiotic and detoxifier, effective against bacterial infections, food poisoning, and potentially supportive in conditions like HIV/AIDS in traditional applications.
Summary of Bitter Kola
| Aspect | Description |
|---|---|
| What is Bitter Kola | Seeds/nuts from the Garcinia kola tree, native to West Africa (especially Nigeria), widely used in traditional medicine and as a natural remedy for centuries. |
| Key Bioactive Compounds | High in antioxidants, anti-inflammatory agents, antibacterial properties, and other phytochemicals contributing to its medicinal effects. |
| Main Health Benefits | Improves lung function, treats malaria, relieves osteoarthritis, supports HIV/AIDS management, treats colds and coughs, boosts male fertility, strengthens immunity, acts as antidote for food poisoning. |
| Traditional Uses | Chewed for coughs, throat issues, dysentery; used as aphrodisiac, anti-poison, and in spiritual practices; bark and seeds combined for detoxification. |
| Cautions & Side Effects | Excessive intake may cause weight loss, increased sex drive, extended sleep; possible allergic reactions (diarrhea, hives, irregular heartbeat) – discontinue if adverse effects occur and seek medical help. |
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is bitter kola and where is it commonly found?
Bitter kola (Garcinia kola) is a nut from a tropical tree, widely found in Nigeria and other parts of West Africa, valued for its medicinal and traditional uses.
2. How does bitter kola improve lung function?
Its high antioxidant content helps treat chest colds, bronchial issues, and improves overall lung health, a benefit recognized in traditional medicine for centuries.
3. Can bitter kola help treat malaria?
Yes, chemical constituents in bitter kola have demonstrated anti-malaria properties, supporting its traditional prescription for malaria treatment.
4. Does bitter kola relieve osteoarthritis symptoms?
Bitter kola reduces inflammation and pain while increasing joint movement, thanks to its strong antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects.
5. Is bitter kola recommended for people with HIV or AIDS?
It is traditionally recommended due to its potent antibacterial, detoxification, and cleansing properties, which may support treatment efforts.
6. How does bitter kola help with colds and coughs?
Chewing bitter kola relieves symptoms like coughs, sneezing, hoarseness, and throat troubles, acting as a natural remedy for common cold issues.
7. Can bitter kola improve male fertility or treat impotence?
Bitter kola is traditionally believed to act as an aphrodisiac and cure impotence, with some reports of increased sex drive as a side effect of regular use.
8. How does bitter kola protect the immune system?
Its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties help prevent infections and viruses, supporting and strengthening the immune system.
9. Is bitter kola effective against food poisoning?
Yes, chewing bitter kola immediately after suspected contaminated food helps detoxify the system and prevent bacterial infection or poisoning development.
10. Are there any side effects of consuming bitter kola?
Excessive intake may lead to weight loss, increased sex drive, or extended sleep; allergic reactions like diarrhea, hives, or irregular heartbeat require immediate discontinuation and medical attention.
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Disclaimer: This article is for educational and informational purposes only. The health benefits described are based on scientific research and traditional knowledge. They ayre not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a healthcare professional before using any herb or natural remedy for medical purposes.
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